Houston hails captain Fletcher (From Crewe Guardian)

Houston hails captain Fletcher

8:18am Monday 6th September 2010 in

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Scotland assistant manager Peter Houston has paid tribute to skipper Darren Fletcher who will win his 50th cap against Liechtenstein at Hampden on Tuesday night.

The Manchester United midfielder will enter the SFA's Hall of Fame on making a half-century of international appearances in the crucial 2012 Euro qualifying Group I match against the group minnows. Fletcher, 26, has often been accused of leaving his best form at Old Trafford but Houston insists he is deserving of his accolade.

"For such a young guy it's a huge achievement," the Dundee United boss said. "It's a huge honour for him to be captain of his country and at this early age getting his 50th cap. So great credit to him and we are delighted for him."

He added: "We still feel that he does a smashing job for his country. He plays consistently well for the side.

"The other night against Lithuania his energy levels were fantastic, he was pressing people and working hard.

"One thing Darren has shown for Scotland is that he always here and fully committed.

"We can't expect Darren to play well in every game but certainly, if he gives us the performance he gave us on Friday, we will be more than pleased."

After drawing 0-0 against Lithuania, Craig Levein's side are expected to easily pick up three points against Liechtenstein, who lost 4-0 at home to Spain in their first match, but Houston insists the first three points of the qualifying campaign is the priority.

"You never get an easy game at international level but this game at Hampden gives us an opportunity to win," he said. "What we will come up against is a team who will be as well organised as they possibly can be.

"It would be nice to go out and score a lot of goals and if it is comfortable then great. However, I don't think you can be disrespectful of any country."